How to Magnify Parts of the Screen in Linux

If you’re coming over to Linux from a Microsoft Windows environment, then you might very well feel like you miss magnification technology. This technology is exceptionally useful on ultrabooks and tablets because of the small screen size and sometimes awkward resolutions. Fortunately, the XFree86 environment provided by most Linux distributions does actually provide a similar solution, though it might require more work to access than the Windows app did.

While the xmag screen magnifier program can be accessed from the run box, you can just as easily add it as a .desktop link for most GNOME, Xfce or LXDE based desktop environments. Keep that in mind as you look at the file name given here. You could also make it a shortcut inside of Unity or KDE, so you have a number of options to work with depending on the type of environment you use.

Magnifying the Screen with xmag

We’ll assume that you’ve held down the Windows key and pushed R to open a run dialog box, but this will also work as the exec= line in a desktop link. When you’ve accessed the box type xmag and then tap okay. Your cursor will change to a small box with a framed corner on it. Maneuver this outline over whatever object you want to magnify. A box will pop up with a pixilated magnification image.

PRO TIP:If the issue is with your computer or a laptop/notebook you should try using the Reimage Plus Software which can scan the repositories and replace corrupt and missing files. This works in most cases, where the issue is originated due to a system corruption. You can download Reimage Plus by Clicking Here

In many cases this will have already helped you to see whatever it was that you were trying to look at. If text was too small over something, then you should be able to read it now. If you need to take another magnification and don’t mind loosing the current one, then tap the replace button to start the process over again. If you’d prefer to keep the current window open, then tap new and start the process once more. You’ll have a second box pop up without eliminating the first. To save a magnification, take a screenshot by holding ALT and pushing Print Screen. You can edit the screenshot in GIMP. If you’re interested in finding more about the color depth of the magnified image, then hold down the mouse button while dragging the cursor over the window. You’ll see text specifying information about each pixel on the bottom.

PRO TIP:If the issue is with your computer or a laptop/notebook you should try using the Reimage Plus Software which can scan the repositories and replace corrupt and missing files. This works in most cases, where the issue is originated due to a system corruption. You can download Reimage Plus by Clicking Here

About Kevin Arrows

Hi! I'm Kevin. Thank you for reading the article above. I am a certified MCTS (Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist) with over 10 years of experience. I love to address tech issues, and write tech how-to's in a way that it can be followed by everyone.

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Expert Tip

How to Magnify Parts of the Screen in Linux

If the issue is with your Computer or a Laptop you should try using the Reimage Plus Software which can scan the repositories and replace corrupt and missing files. This works in most cases, where the issue is originated due to a system corruption. You can download Reimage Plus by clicking the Download button below.